Mayor Anne Hidalgo Visits the Global Cities Hub in Geneva

On 12 May 2025, the Global Cities Hub (GCH) had the honour of welcoming Mayor Anne Hidalgo to Geneva. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to present the GCH’s mission to better connect local and regional governments (LRGs) to United Nations, as well as other international organizations based in Geneva and beyond.

A central point of discussion was the UN Forum of Mayors—the only formal entry point for mayors within the UN system. The GCH emphasized the Forum’s vital role in advancing a more inclusive multilateral system that empowers LRGs to contribute meaningfully to global governance and deliver effective outcomes that reflect the aspirations and needs of people worldwide.

Mayor Hidalgo has long been a leading voice in city diplomacy. From her pivotal role in advancing the Paris Agreement to her involvement in key global initiatives such as the UN Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments, the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships for Climate Action, and the Mayors for Housing initiative, she continues to champion the role of cities on the international stage.

Her environmental leadership is also evident through her role as Co-Chair of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Global Commission for Urban SDG Finance, where the GCH is a member. This Commission brings together mayors, financial and climate experts, city networks, and scholars to develop and champion innovative ideas and solutions for scaling up urban SDG financing.

In alignment with the Global Commission’s vision, the GCH has been actively promoting local SDG financing through the publication of a dedicated policy paper and the launch of the Mayors Declaration on Financing for Development, in collaboration with the Global Parliament of Mayors. As part of this initiative, the GCH invited the City of Paris to join other signatory cities in calling for reform of the international financial system to accommodate the unique cities’ financing needs, fostering investments in climate-responsive projects.

The GCH was truly inspired by Mayor Hidalgo’s vision for a stronger role for cities in global diplomacy and looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with the City of Paris in the years ahead.